Anatomical Directional Terms and Planes

Vocabulary flashcards covering human anatomical directional terminology, extremity terms, and anatomical planes.

Superior

Toward the top; above. Useful for the central part of the body and does not apply to the limbs ('cranial' is also used in humans).

Inferior

Toward the bottom; below. Useful for the central part of the body and does not apply to the limbs ('caudal' is also used in humans).

Medial

Toward the midline.

Lateral

Away from the midline - toward the side of the body.

Anterior (Ventral)

Toward the front of the body. When applied to the skull, it cannot be defined as ventral or dorsal.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Toward the back of the body. Ventral and dorsal are sometimes used interchangeably in humans.

Palmer

Refers to the palm of the hand.

Planter

Refers to the sole of the foot.

Proximal

Toward the trunk (used for limbs only).

Distal

Away from the trunk (used for limbs only).

Superficial

Toward or at the surface.

Deep

Away from the surface, or covered by other structures.

Coronal plane

An anatomical plane that splits anterior and posterior.

Sagittal plane

An anatomical plane that splits left and right (medial/lateral).

Transverse plane

An anatomical plane that splits superior and inferior.